Rick Langenberg
Alright boys and girls, area powder hounds and fellow ski nuts, we encountered a slight slowdown in snow totals at our mountains of pleasure during the last week. That’s the bad news.
But who is complaining, especially with the near record bombardments of the white stuff recent weeks.
In fact, the end product now has netted a real bonanza for winter conditions on the slopes, rivaling even the best of 2023.
So, get those ski legs loosened up, as the 2024 season is definitely sizzling, and one bound to break past records.
No real gold winners, based on our recent reports. However, A-Basin stood firm as having most improved mountain conditions for ski mountains close to home.
And as far as a total base, Steamboat, located in the northern part of the state, just outside Steamboat Springs (the last of the great ski towns) just can’t escape a regular powder invasion with a 200-plus inch snow invasion since she opened. And again, Wolf Creek in Mineral County, if you can find it, continues its streak as the top dog for ski conditions among less known mountains.
And then there is Vail, which is now sporting close to 300 open runs. No excuse for boredom there.
Whatever ski options you pursue, remember that Colorado is the undisputed ski capital of the world. So, it’s hard to have a bad ski day, unless you want to concern yourself with national and local politics and social media reports. So, stay away from such gibberish and hit the slopes.
According to Colorado Ski Central website, our state boasts of 27 areas now open for skiing and snowboarding. On a statewide basis, and at the time of this writing, 94 percent of the lifts are reported open, along with 91 percent of available runs and trails.
On a regular basis, and with the help of local sponsor 315 Survival, your prime local spot for skin tuning, equipment and needed advice, we will provide regular ski reports. Make sure to pay them (315) a visit, prior to your next trip to the mountain. 315 is located in the Safeway shopping center and sports unique outdoor equipment, and right now is doing some prime ski tuning.
TMJ News will publish reports, based on updates from leading online sources. If anyone has any good ski stories, or tidbits to share with us, email us at editor@mountainjackpot.com.
A couple of requirements: Don’t ever take any pointers from TMJ staff members.
Instead, talk to Eric and 315 Survival and then hit the slopes; tell your employers you are sick, as mid-week trips are the best.
Enjoy our many Power Days.
Ski Updates
The following is the most updated ski information we received regarding some of our favorite mountains, based on the Colorado Ski Country and Colorado Ski Central websites, along with our own analysis. Enjoy.
*We have included recent snow bombardments, based on the time of this reporting.
Monarch: Snow Base-46 Inches, Runs Open 65, Percentage of Terrain Open 97
Comments: The locals’ favorite place for snow; shorter runs than most places, but very convenient. A slight slowdown with only 2 inches in last 3 days.
Arapahoe Basin: Snow Base-47 Inches, Runs Open 121, Percentage of Terrain Open 83
Comments: Never a bad day at the Basin; parking sometimes a problem. Pick a day, though, with sun, as sometimes gets really cold. Got hit with 11 inches in a 7-day stretch, so lack of snow.
Loveland: Snow Base-40 Inches, Runs Open 73, Percentage of Terrain Open 78
Comments: Another great local gem, pounded with considerable snow and like A-Basin, stays open well longer than other mountains. 8 Inches in past 7 days.
Breckenridge: Snow Base-45 Inches, Runs Open 164, Percentage of Terrain Open 88
Comments: Call in sick during the week; try to avoid Breck on the weekend, but can’t beat the close distance from Teller County and their local happenings. 9 Inches in past 7 days.
Keystone: Snow Base-44 Inches, Runs Open 140 Percentage of Terrain Open 98
Comments: Ideal mountain for families and kids. Underestimated for the great amount of tree runs. 7 Inches in past 7 days.
Copper Mountain: Snow Base-48 Inches, Runs Open 155, Percentage of Terrain Open 100
Comments: Probably the best laid-out mountain; great back bowls, although access is sometimes tricky. 11 Inches in past 7 days.
Ski Cooper: Snow Base-31 to 38 Inches, Runs Open 64, Percentage of Terrain Open 100
Comments: Secret gem for telemark skiing; and for advanced intermediates, check out the Snowcat tours. Can’t beat the small, family atmosphere, almost brings back memories of skiing before the big resorts. 5 Inches in past 7 days.
Vail: Snow Base-50 Inches, Runs Open 275, Percentage of Terrain Open 100
Comments: Colorado’s biggest and most well-known mountain resort. Great, but try during the week due to the crowds. A few Inches in past 7 days. Total snow count for this season amounts to 165 inches.
Aspen: Snow Base-29-32 Inches, Runs Open 104, Percentage of Terrain Open 100
Aspen Highlands: Snow Base-38 to 51 Inches, Runs Open 117, Percentage of Terrain Open 96
Comments: Check out Aspen Highlands for diversion and views from the top. Snowmass, meanwhile, is probably the best mountain in state for blue skiers. .
Crested Butte: Snow Base-54 Inches, Runs Open 163, Percentage of Terrain Open 99
Comments: The acclaimed T-Bars, access to the Butte’s Extreme Limits Terrain is now open. Tours are often provided to this section, under guided supervision. Worth checking out, if you are an advanced intermediate-plus skier. 10 Inches with their last major storm.
Telluride: Snow Base-35-38 Inches, Runs Open 129, Percentage of Terrain Open 88
Comments: Their blacks are definite blacks, so Plunge down the Plunge run with care. No mountain in Colorado rivals the views at Telluride. A few inches past 7 days, and now a total snow total of 110 inches.
Winter Park: Snow Base-57to 61 Inches, Runs Open 155, Percentage of Terrain Open 92
Comments: A great mountain and easy drive from Denver if ever up that way. 3 Inches in past 7 days.
Steamboat: Snow Base-5 to 76 Inches, Runs Open 180, Percentage of Terrain Open 99
Comments: A great ski town if you want to take a several-day excursion, and unbelievable tree skiing, just don’t take a tree limb with you during a crash. Several inches in past 3 days.
If anyone has information they would like to submit for our ski reports, contact us at editor@mountainjackpot.com.
